PERSISTENT AGITATORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 544, 22 December 1928, Page 7

PERSISTENT AGITATORS

RAILWAY LINE TO OPOTIKI COUNTY APPROACHING GOVERNMENT (From Our Oxon Correspondent) OPOTIKI, Friday. A deputation waited on the Opotiki County Council to-day and asked it to persuade the new Government to proceed with the construction of the Fast Coast line from Taneatua to Opotiki. Mr. J. li. Reid, chairman, informed the deputation that he wras very optimistic of the chances of construction* commencing shortly under the new Government’s policy of railway construction. He also considered the Government would find it necessary to construct the Paeroa-Pokeno line before long to relieve congestion between Auckland and Frankton. The Pokeno hne would also benefit the Bay of Plenty greatly and reduce the distance to Auckland. A member of the deputation stated that Mr. H. H. Sterling had recently S: *id the Bay line would become one of the best paying lines in the Dominion. The council decided to write to Sir Joseph Ward, the Minister of Public Works, the Minister of Railways, and the Mr. K. S. Williams, member for the district. putting forth the claims for the Taneatua-Opotiki railway. On receipt of replies it will be decided what further action will be necessary. The council resolved to write to the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, Native Minister, requesting a visit from the Native Rates Commission to the Bay of Plenty. Tli© chairman said a very large amount of native rates was outstanding in the county, and the overdraft at the bank exceeded the limit, being over £ 12.000.